CHP Officer's legacy praised

Three days after a head-on collision on State Route 12 in Fairfield killed an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer, supervisors recalled the 15-year veteran and the legacy he left behind.

Officer John Fanene, a 38-year-old Napa resident, was riding his 2010 Kawasaki Ninja on Highway 12 near Red Top Road on Friday evening when the fatal accident occurred, authorities reported.

Officers arrived at the scene an found a passing motorist had stopped and was performing CPR on Fanene.

The CHP expressed its thanks to those who "put their own lives and needs aside to assist a fellow human being in trouble." Although Fanene's injuries were "too extensive" to be helped, officials said it meant a "great deal" to know he had been cared for.

His commander, Lt. Mike Ferrell, remembered Fanene's dedication to his job as an officer and helping others.

"John had a big heart, was fun and loving," wrote Ferrell. "He was professional and took his job very seriously, especially when it came to saving lives."

Coworkers described Fanene died from his injuries as, "hard working, respectful, honorable and humble. He had a big heart, a great sense of humor, and wore his badge with pride." A close friend and officer added, "No better man has lived."

After working in Central Los Angeles, San Francisco, Contra Costa and Napa, Fanene was assigned to the Cordelia Inspection Facility in Fairfield.

He was riding west on Highway 12 when an east-bound Toyota pickup, driven by 39-year-old Edward Turner II, of Esparto, attempted to turn into a residence in the 1600 block of Jameson Canyon Road, officials said.

Fanene's motorcycle clipped the right rear side of the pickup, throwing him into the path of an on-coming eastbound Honda CR-V driven by Marlon Daranciang, 50, of Martinez.

Fanene died at the scene from his injuries, authorities said.

No other injuries were reported, officials said, and the CHP is continuing to investigate the accident.